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Mets reinstate Valdespin, return him to Triple-A

Mets reinstate Valdespin, return him to Triple-A

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By Anthony DiComo
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- The Mets reinstated infielder Jordany Valdespin to their 40-man roster Tuesday after he completed his 50-game Biogenesis suspension.

Though the Mets did not activate Valdespin, they removed him from the restricted list and officially returned him to Triple-A Las Vegas' roster. It was a procedural move, as Las Vegas is done playing games for the season. To free up a 40-man roster spot, the Mets transferred pitcher Josh Edgin from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list.

They will need to make a similar move later this week when Cesar Puello's suspension ends, though that will be as simple as transferring Ruben Tejada to the 60-day DL.

Regarding Valdespin's status, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said the team has not yet decided whether he will be invited to Spring Training in February. Owner of a .219/.271/.380 slash line over 104 career games, Valdespin, 25, seemed to reach a crossroads when Major League Baseball suspended him in early August. At the time, Alderson said he and his front office would "have conversations" about Valdespin's future between then and now.

Asked Tuesday if he and his lieutenants ever had those discussions, Alderson said no. Asked why not, the GM replied: "Maybe it's because Valdespin's future doesn't warrant convening a meeting."

Though Valdespin is a career .293 Minor League hitter with a .780 OPS, he has struggled over parts of two seasons at the big league level. More importantly to the Mets, he has been the subject of multiple disciplinary issues over his six years in the organization, irking teammates and coaches with episodes of misbehavior.

"To be honest, he's got skills that a lot of them are off the charts," Mets manager Terry Collins said at the time of Valdespin's suspension. "He's got power that a guy his size you wouldn't think has. He can run. He's got a good arm. He's just got to slow the game down. He gets caught up and he's an emotional guy."

Valdespin is also without a clear defensive home. A natural second baseman, Valdespin began learning the outfield last year in an attempt to increase his versatility. But advanced metrics project him as a below-average defender at every outfield position.

Valdespin was one of 12 players suspended 50 games last month for their connections with Biogenesis, the Anthony Bosch-led clinic linked to some of baseball's biggest stars.

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.